Trump honors retired firefighter Corey Comperatore by bringing his helmet and jacket on stage for 2024 RNC speech

MILWAUKEE — Donald Trump brought Corey Comperatore’s firefighter helmet and jacket on stage during his speech to the Republican National Committee Thursday, honoring the supporter who was killed Saturday in the attempted assassination of the former president.

Trump, 78, kissed the helmet of Comperatore, 50, the former Buffalo, Pennsylvania, township chief who was fatally shot by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.

Trump’s right ear was grazed by a bullet during the attack and he spoke with a bandage covering the wound.

“He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets,” Trump said.

“What a good man he was.”

The former president, growing emotional as he recounted the shooting, asked the convention hall to observe “a moment of silence in honor of our friend, Corey.”

Trump touted a fundraising campaign that he said raised $6.3 million for the families of Comperatore and two injured protesters — and held up a $1 million check he said a friend gave him for the cause.

Trump said he spoke with all three families on Thursday.

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for another,” he said. “That is the spirit that forged America in its darkest hour. That is the love that will lead America back to the pinnacle of human achievement and greatness.”

Widow Helen Comperatore told the Post that her husband heroically yelled “Get down!” and used his body to shield his family from gunfire in his final moments.

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called Comperatore a “hero” in remarks this week.